The Spaniard insists that the Reds forward has shown "great character" to bounce back from criticism over his racism row and biting incident.

"He is a tremendous player," The Mirror quotes Arteta as saying. "And he has shown a lot of character to get back after getting really criticised and on the front pages a lot.

"He has gone on to produce some great performances and his goal-scoring record is amazing. It was very difficult for him because he had a lot of people against him and he was under massive pressure.

"Last summer when everyone thought he was leaving, he still came back and put in some great performances. I like players like this. When they are on the floor and everyone is on them, they stand up and prove themselves and I admire that."

Arsenal take on Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in the league this Saturday.